West Branch Goodnow River.
The West Branch Goodnow River drains a quiet fold of forest south of Indian Lake — a tributary system that moves through working timberland and private holdings without the foot traffic or infrastructure of the better-known Indian Lake tributaries. It's not a named destination or a marked access point; most anglers who fish it are locals working upstream from the mainstem or hunters passing through during fall. The drainage feeds into the broader Goodnow River system before eventually reaching the Hudson River watershed. If you're looking for this one specifically, you're either off-trail or reading old survey maps.
West Branch Goodnow River has public access. Summits nearby include Joseph Mountain and Sixth Lake Mountain.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
11 parking areas· 1 accessible
Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data and NYSDEC records; surface and capacity from NYSDEC and OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.
- 01Fifth Lake Permit ParkingTrailhead1.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Deer Pond Road Parking Lot1.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Fifth Lake Accessible Parking1.7 mi
- 04Essex Chain Equestrian Staging Area3.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Parking Area3.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Camp Six Rd Seasonal (Fall) Parking Area3.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Polaris Bridge Parking Area4.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Chain Lakes Rd South Seasonal (Fall) Parking Area5.1 miunpavedDirections →
+3 more on the map above
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
What the lake is doing today.
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The peaks.
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The trails.
Read before you launch.
Make a weekend of it.
Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- McSweeney's Irish Pub8.9 mi
An Irish-style pub on Route 30 in Indian Lake serving comfort-food classics (shepherd's pie, fish and chips) seven days a week, year-round. The dependable dinner spot in town.
- Long Lake Diner & Owl’s Head Pub9.4 mi
Long Lake Diner & Owl's Head Pub has been proudly serving food, beverages, and memories since 2004.
- Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner9.5 mi
Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner: the best Diner in Indian Lake, NY. Order directly online today for takeout or delivery. Save money, support local business!
- Northern Borne9.6 mi
Family-owned grocery and outdoor-supply store on Long Lake's Main Street, with organic, gluten-free, and vegan options plus a made-to-order deli counter. Camping and outdoor gear stocked alongside the grocery.
Sip.
4- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop9.7 mi
Seasonal coffee shop inside the 1895 schoolhouse that houses Blue Mountain Designs. Espresso, locally roasted coffee, loose-leaf tea, baked goods, avocado toast, sandwiches, and soups. May through October.
- Waypoint Cafe9.7 mi
Long Lake cafe at 1265 Main St. La Colombe coffee, homemade quiche, avocado toast, artisan sandwiches, salads, poke bowls, soups, and charcuterie. Closed Mondays; weeknight happy hour 4–6 p.m.
- 9 Mile Coffee Co24.8 mi
9 Mile Coffee Co. is a coffee shop in downtown Schroon Lake, NY, serving a variety of coffees, teas, smoothies, sandwiches, and soups. They also sell their custom coffee blends and gift cards online.
- Cupola Crepes24.8 mi
Family-run creperie at 1095 Main Street in Schroon Lake. Sweet and savory crepes (gluten-free batter available), scones, coffee, and soft serve. Wednesday through Sunday.
Sweet.
4- Custard’s Last Stand9.3 mi
Custard's Last Stand is a historic ice cream shop in Long Lake, established in 1958, serving a variety of soft frozen custard & hard ice cream, sundaes, specialty shakes, floats, and ice cream sodas. They also offer merchandise and gift cards.
- The Park9.3 mi
Trying to find a fast food restaurant in Long Lake? Pay a visit to The Park. We offer a range of burgers, sides, ice cream, drinks and coffee options.
- The Hungry Crow Market & Café19.7 mi
A downtown North Creek market and cafe serving soft serve alongside scratch-made desserts, next to Hudson River Trading Co. — the cone stop in the Gore and Upper Hudson area.
- Skyline Ice Cream23.8 mi
A roadside soft-serve stand on Route 30 in Tupper Lake since 1985 — vanilla and black-raspberry twists, gelato, Dole Whip, and Michigans, now with an expanded burger-and-fries menu.
Drink.
4- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store8.9 mi
Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store offers a full bar with an extensive bottle selection and local drafts, alongside a menu featuring appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees. The restaurant is currently closed for mud season and wi…
- Brookside Hops & Hoagies9.3 mi
Brookside Hops & Hoagies is a casual, family-friendly shop in Long Lake, founded in 2023, offering craft beers and hoagies made with fresh ingredients and Boars Head deli meats. It operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM.
- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake9.8 mi
Hex and Hop is a craft brewery and meadery located in Bloomingdale, New York. They offer full-flavored, high-quality craft beer and mead, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing community and craft.
- Lakeview Lanes & The Foul Line Sports Bar23.3 mi
Lakeview Lanes & The Foul Line Sports Bar in Tupper Lake offers 8 lanes of bowling, an arcade, a sports bar, and outdoor seating with food and drinks for family fun.
Stay.
4- The Pilot's House7.1 mi
The Pilot's House sits above the Outfitter's storefront, with a wonderful view of Vanderwhacker Mt. and the Hudson River, and Santanoni Mt as a backdrop.
- Twin Coves on Indian Lake8.9 mi
Twin Coves offers nine fully equipped cottages on the shore of Indian Lake, surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. Guests can enjoy swimming, fishing, water skiing, and various games, with nearby amenities like marinas, golf, and restaura…
- Adirondack Trail Motel8.9 mi
The Adirondack Trail Motel is a welcoming year-round lodging option in Indian Lake, offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities and easy access to outdoor activities.
- Adirondack Herrenhaus9.4 mi
A vacation rental in Long Lake in the central Adirondacks — a home base for paddling, hiking, and quiet days on the water.
See.
4- Newcomb Ski Slope5.1 mi
2 slope municipal ski slope free to the public.
- Blue Mountain Fire Observation Station8.0 mi
Blue Mountain offers a rewarding fire tower hike in the Central Adirondacks, featuring sweeping views and historical significance, with a world-class museum located at its base.
- Camp Santanoni9.2 mi
Built by the wealthy Pruyn family, Camp Santanoni is a publicly-owned National Historic Landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the early Adirondack Great Camp era and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts9.8 mi
Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts is a vibrant hub for creativity in the Adirondacks, offering inspiring performances, gallery exhibits, workshops, and community events for all ages.
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- Where is West Branch Goodnow River located?West Branch Goodnow River is a river in the Indian Lake region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- Is West Branch Goodnow River open to the public?Yes, West Branch Goodnow River has public access. See the listing page for current trailhead, parking, and boat-launch details, and check active DEC advisories before visiting.
- Can you camp at West Branch Goodnow River?Within roughly seven miles of West Branch Goodnow River: 53 designated campsites, 5 lean-tos or shelters. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.